Simulated electric glowing embers system for fireplaces

ABSTRACT

A simulated electric glowing embers system disposed within a fireplace is provided. One embodiment discloses, a fireplace comprising an enclosure defining a chamber, a support structure disposed within the chamber, a plurality of translucent artificial embers disposed upon a top surface of the support structure, and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the support structure to illuminate the translucent artificial embers. Another embodiment discloses, an apparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace comprising an ember support bed, a plurality of translucent artificial embers individually arrangeable upon a top surface of the ember support bed, and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the ember support bed to illuminate the loose translucent artificial embers. A method for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace is also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to fireplaces. In addition, the inventionrelates to a simulated electric glowing embers system disposed within afireplace.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Gas, electric, and wood burning fireplaces are an efficientmethod for providing warmth and creating the appeal of a fire within aroom. Fireplaces have become commonplace in today's building trades forboth residential and commercial applications. Most new home constructiondesigns include at least one, and often several fireplaces. Further, asignificant number of remodeling projects are focused on fireplaces.

[0003] The representation of glowing embers in such fireplaces isdesirable to provide the realistic effect of a fire. Previous systemscreated to provide artificial glowing embers typically call for a glasspanel with artificial embers fused to the panel and a light sourcepositioned below the panel to illuminate the embers and thereby createthe illusion of glowing embers. However, such systems have severaldrawbacks.

[0004] First, previous systems do not perform well in high temperatures.The materials used to create the artificial embers break down at thehigher temperatures found in fireplaces, and such systems require thatthe illumination device be remotely positioned from the combustionchamber enclosure because of the intense heat created in the combustionchamber. Second, the individual simulated glowing embers provided in thesystems are not movable or adaptable to different burning environmentsbecause the simulated embers in the previous systems are fused togetherand to the glass panel. Third, the previous systems fail to provide themost aesthetically appealing embers because the artificial embers arefused and therefore create only a two-dimensional look. Fourth, thecomposition of the materials selected to create the artificial embers donot create a naturally looking ember bed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Generally, the present invention relates to gas, electric, orwood burning fireplaces. One embodiment may include a fireplacecomprising an enclosure defining a chamber, a support structure disposedwithin the chamber, a plurality of translucent artificial embersdisposed upon a top surface of the support structure; and a light sourcepositioned to pass light through at least a portion of the supportstructure to illuminate the translucent artificial embers.

[0006] In another respect, the invention is directed to a fireplacecomprising an enclosure including a support structure, a plurality oftranslucent artificial embers disposed upon a top surface of the supportstructure, and a light source positioned to pass light through at leasta portion of the support structure to illuminate the translucentartificial embers.

[0007] In another respect, the invention is directed to an apparatus forelectrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace comprising asupport structure, a plurality of translucent artificial embers disposedupon a top surface of the support structure, and a light sourcepositioned to pass light through the ember support bed to illuminate thetranslucent artificial embers.

[0008] In another respect, the invention is directed to an apparatus forelectrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace comprising anember support bed, a plurality of translucent artificial embersindividually arrangeable upon a top surface of the ember support bed,and a light source positioned to pass light through at least a portionof the ember support bed to illuminate the loose translucent artificialembers.

[0009] In another respect, the invention is directed to an apparatus forelectrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace comprising ameans for supporting a plurality of translucent artificial embers and ameans for illuminating the translucent artificial embers.

[0010] In another respect, the invention is directed to a method forelectrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace, the methodincluding: providing an enclosure defining a combustion chamber,disposing a support structure within the combustion chamber, arranging aplurality of translucent artificial embers on a top surface of thesupport structure, and passing light through at least a portion of thesupport structure to illuminate the translucent artificial embers.

[0011] The above summary of the present invention is not intended todescribe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of thepresent invention. The figures and the detailed description that followmore particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention may be more completely understood in considerationof the following detailed description of various embodiments of theinvention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an embodimentof a direct vent gas fireplace incorporating an embodiment of thesimulated electric glowing ember system, according to the invention;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a schematic detailed view of the embodiment of thesimulated electric glowing ember system of FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of the supportstructure of FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 4A is a schematic top view of one embodiment of an embersupport bed, according to the invention;

[0017]FIG. 4B is a schematic top view of a second embodiment of an embersupport bed, according to the invention;

[0018]FIG. 4C is a schematic top view of a third embodiment of an embersupport bed, according to the invention;

[0019]FIG. 5 a schematic side cross-sectional view of a secondembodiment of a direct vent gas fireplace incorporating a secondembodiment of the simulated electric glowing ember system, according tothe invention;

[0020]FIG. 6 is a schematic detailed view of the embodiment of thesimulated electric glowing ember system of FIG. 5;

[0021]FIG. 7 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a thirdembodiment of a direct vent gas fireplace incorporating a thirdembodiment of the simulated electric glowing ember system, according tothe invention;

[0022]FIG. 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an embodimentof an electric fireplace incorporating the simulated electric glowingember system of FIG. 2, according to the invention;

[0023]FIG. 9 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of an embodimentof a multisided gas fireplace incorporating an embodiment of thesimulated electric glowing ember system of FIG. 2, according to theinvention; and

[0024]FIG. 10 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of themultisided gas fireplace of FIG. 9 incorporating the simulated electricglowing ember system of FIG. 2.

[0025] While the invention is amenable to various modifications andalternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of examplein the drawings and will be described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention tothe particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention isto cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0026] The present invention relates to gas, electric, or wood burningfireplaces. In particular, the present invention is directed to asimulated electric glowing embers system disposed within a fireplace.While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation ofvarious aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion ofthe examples provided below.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, a side elevation in section of a direct ventgas fireplace 100 is shown including a simulated glowing ember system110. An example of a direct vent fireplace is of the type shown anddescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,322, herein incorporated by reference.

[0028] Fireplace 100 includes an enclosure 120 that defines a chamber122. A portion or all of the enclosure 120 can be used for thecombustion of burnable or combustible fuels. It will be understood thatas used herein, the term “enclosure” is any structure that at leastpartially surrounds the simulated glowing ember system and is intendedto be included in embodiments of all types of known fireplaces,including fireplaces that simulate combustion and do not combust aburnable or combustible fuel. An example of an enclosure that does notinclude combustion within its defined chamber is illustrated asenclosure 720 in an embodiment disclosed in FIG. 7, which defineschamber 722.

[0029] In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the glowingembers system 110 is shown disposed within the chamber 122 between a gasburner 123 and a bottom panel 125 of the enclosure 120. The gas burneris generally located at 123, but not specifically illustrated in FIG. 1.The glowing embers system 110 includes a support structure 124, aplurality of translucent artificial embers 126 disposed upon the supportstructure 124, and light source 128. At least a portion of the supportstructure 124 allows light to pass from the light source 128 to thetranslucent artificial embers 126 to simulate the glowing embers of afire within a fireplace.

[0030] In FIG. 1, the glowing ember system 110 is shown, for example,disposed within a direct vent fireplace 100. FIG. 2 shows in greaterdetail an embodiment illustrating the glowing embers system 110 ofFIG. 1. Some examples of additional fireplace structures with which theglowing ember system of this invention could be used include universalvent, horizontal/vertical vent, B-vent, and dual direct ventedfireplaces, as well as multisided units having two or three glass panelsas side panels, or in any other unit used as a gas, electric, or woodburning fireplace, stove or insert.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the support structure 124 can divide thechamber 122 into a combustion air chamber 162 and a combustion chamber163. The support structure 124 and that portion of the enclosure 120 inwhich combustion occurs form the combustion chamber enclosure 121 anddefine the combustion chamber 163. The support structure 124 can includea raised floor 130 and an ember support bed 132. The raised floor 130 ispositioned above the bottom panel 125 of the enclosure 120.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 3, a top schematic view of the ember supportbed 124 disposed upon the raised floor 130 of FIG. 1 is shown. The embersupport bed 132 is placed on a top surface 134 of the raised floor 130.The raised floor 130 can include, for example, a rectangular openingover which is placed the glowing ember support bed 132. The opening canbe any other desired shape or can include multiple openings. The raisedfloor 130 and ember support bed 132 can optionally define one or moreair gaps 137 to allow fresh combustion air to pass into the chamber 122.The ember support bed 132 can be held into place over the light sourcewith, for example, sheet metal clamps. Any other suitable means, such ashigh temperature adhesive, flanges, or screws, can alternatively be usedto hold the ember support bed in position.

[0033] Alternatively, the raised floor can be constructed so the topsurface of the ember support bed is positioned at approximately the samelevel as the top surface of the raised floor. For example, the raisedfloor can include a recessed area sized to fit the ember support bed andinclude flanges to support the ember support bed above the bottom panelof the enclosure.

[0034] One embodiment of the ember support bed 132 shown in FIG. 1 is asolid plate that may be constructed of material such as ceramic glass,tempered glass, or a ceramic/glass composite material. The solid plateis constructed of a clear or translucent material that allows light fromthe light source 128 to pass through to translucent artificial embers126. A typical ceramic glass plate can withstand temperatures in excessof 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. A typical tempered glass plate can withstandtemperatures in excess of 600 degrees Fahrenheit. The glass can becolored with stove paint to enhance the glowing color of the translucentartificial embers. Alternatively, the glass plate can be formed intocolored glass for generating a desired glowing ember effect.

[0035] Other materials that can withstand high temperatures that can bepresent within the combustion chamber can also be used to construct theplate, such as, for example, metal. Further, a combination of two ormore materials may be bonded together to form the plate.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the ember support bed 132 is anon-perforated plate of material. Examples of other configurations forember support beds are shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. In a second ember supportbed embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 4A, a wire mesh ember support bed432A can be used having individual longitudinal wires 433 andlatitudinal wires 435. The spaces 437 between wires may vary in size solong as the spaces 437 are not large enough to allow an individualtranslucent artificial ember to pass through the ember support bed 432A.

[0037] In a third ember support bed embodiment includes a plate 432Bdefining a plurality of slots 439 (FIG. 4B). The slots 439 may be ofvarying dimension, so long as the space is not large enough to allowindividual translucent artificial embers to fall through the embersupport bed 432B.

[0038] In a fourth ember support bed embodiment shown in FIG. 4C, theember support bed 432C is formed with a plurality of apertures 441. Onceagain, the diameter of each aperture 441 must be less than the size ofindividual translucent artificial embers.

[0039] The ember support beds shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A-4C are by way ofexample only, and many other configurations are possible. For example,the surface of the ember support beds can include, for example, multipleelevations to aid in the placement of translucent artificial embers atdifferent pitches and heights. Further, the ember support bed need notbe a separate component, but may be formed integrally with othercomponents of the fireplace, such as the raised floor 130 shown in FIG.1.

[0040] The ember support bed shown in the various embodiments can beconstructed of various types of materials and preferably of ceramic orglass, or other suitable high-temperature materials, such as metal orrefractory materials. The wire mesh, slotted, and apertureconfigurations of FIGS. 4A-4C also allow for combustible gas, as shown,for example in FIGS. 5 and 6, or air, as shown in FIG. 7, to passthrough the ember support bed.

[0041] The translucent artificial embers 126 can be disposed on theember support bed 132 in any arrangement desired. The translucentartificial embers 126 are constructed as individual pieces that allowfor increased placement flexibility thereof upon the ember support bed132. The ember support bed 132 can be constructed of a clear ortranslucent material, such as high-temperature ceramic glass, to allowlight to pass therethrough from the light source 128 to the translucentartificial embers 126.

[0042] The translucent artificial embers 126 are not integrally attachedto each other or to the ember support structure 132. Because thetranslucent artificial embers are not fused to the ember supportstructure, there is use flexibility in the amount of artificial embersthat can be provided and the arrangement of the artificial embers on thesupport structure. During or after installation of the fireplace,translucent artificial embers 126 may be added, removed, or rearrangedto provide a more aesthetically pleasing fire. Further, the individualtranslucent artificial embers provide a more three-dimensional,aesthetically pleasing look that resembles real embers because eachtranslucent artificial ember is separate rather than being fusedtogether and to the ember support structure. Alternatively, thetranslucent artificial embers can be formed into a joined array ofartificial embers through adhesion or other connective techniques andplaced as a single unit upon the ember support structure.

[0043] Individual translucent artificial embers may come in a variety ofshapes and sizes. For example, translucent artificial embers can begenerally cubical, spherical, jagged, or irregular in shape. Althoughdifferent sizes may be used, embers can preferably be sized with averagediameters between about ⅛ inch and ¾ inch. It should be understood thatother shapes, sizes, and dimensions might be used without departing fromthe scope of the invention. Further, a combination of differently shapedand sized translucent artificial embers may be used to better simulate aglowing ember bed.

[0044] The translucent artificial embers may be made from a variety ofmaterials. The materials selected to create the translucent artificialembers preferably should perform in high temperatures without foaming orbreaking up and also be semi-transparent to allow light to pass throughthem to simulate glowing. For example, fused silica particles can beused for the translucent artificial embers. The material utilized forthe translucent artificial embers in one embodiment of the invention isa fused silica material manufactured by C-E Minerals, located in King ofPrussia, Pa., and sold under the Teco-Sil® mark. Teco-Sil® silica is ahigh purity fused silica with greater than 99% non-crystalline SiO₂.Less than 1% of Teco-Sil® silica includes Cristobalite. Teco-Sil® silicahas a melting point of greater than 3000 degrees Fahrenheit.

[0045] Fused silica is a preferred material for the embers thatwithstands very high temperatures without foaming or breaking up. Also,fused silica will not bind to the ember support bed during combustionwithin the combustion chamber. Further, it provides an aestheticallypleasing glow when illuminated because the fused silica diffuses lightin a more natural way than other materials. It should be understood,however, that other translucent, high temperature material could also beused to make the translucent artificial embers.

[0046] In one embodiment of the invention, paint or other darkeningmaterial can be applied to the surface of a translucent artificialember. An individual translucent artificial ember can be provided, forexample, with paint applied to at least a portion of the surface of theember. Paint can be applied to the plurality of translucent artificialembers of an ember bed to give the effect of a bed having “cool” embertop and a hot glowing underside. The paint, normally a black or charcoalcolor, may be applied to a portion of translucent artificial embers orto all of them. Other colorization sources besides paint may also beused, such as, for example, pigmentation that could be added duringmanufacturing of the translucent artificial embers.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the light source 128 is shownpositioned beneath the ember support bed 132. The light generated bylight source 128 passes through the ember support bed 132 and onto thetranslucent artificial embers 126. Alternatively, the light source canbe positioned in any location that provides light to translucentartificial embers, such as disposing the light source on the raisedfloor. The translucent artificial embers 126 are constructed to pass atleast a portion of the light generated by light source 128 through themso as to simulate glowing embers.

[0048] In a preferred configuration, an individual light source 128 isused which includes a light bulb 136 and a light socket 138. Althoughthe embodiment in FIG. 2 shows a light source including two light bulbsand sockets, it should be understood that one or more light bulbs couldbe used. Also, more than one light source can be used in the system toenhance the glowing ember effect. Halogen bulbs and ceramic sockets arepreferably used to create the light source because these items canwithstand the potentially high temperature environment of the fireplacethat may exceed 600 degrees Fahrenheit. Halogen bulbs and ceramicsockets are examples of components that can withstand the hightemperatures of the fireplace combustion chamber. However, any othersuitable light source that can withstand high temperatures may also beused. If the light source is constructed to withstand the hightemperatures found in a fireplace, it is not necessary to seal-off thelight source from the heat generated in the combustion chamber or toprovide other methods to cool the light source. When composed of hightemperature materials, the light source can be placed directly withinthe combustion chamber.

[0049] The light source 128 is shown connected to a control box 140 thathas an on/off switch 142 located behind a removable intake panel 144.Although the control box 140 and on/off switch 142 are provided in thisembodiment of the invention, it is possible that the system could beoperated without a control box or switch by wiring the simulatedelectric glowing embers system to operate when the fireplace is in use.Further, other methods, such as a remote-controlled arrangement, couldbe used to regulate the light sources of the glowing ember system 110.When the light source 128 is turned on, it provides illumination throughember support bed 132 and thereby illuminates the translucent artificialembers 126.

[0050] The light source 128 can be controlled by the control box 140 tocreate a flickering effect and further enhance the simulation of glowingembers. The light source 128 can project a pattern of random flickeringlight onto the translucent artificial embers 126, which isnon-repetitive and simulates real glowing embers whether or not the gasburner 123 is burning. In some embodiments, it is possible tosimultaneous operate the gas burner 123 and the glowing ember system 110to provide very low heat and create the illusion of an extremely hotfire.

[0051] Shadow curtains 146 and 147 can be used to direct the lightgenerated from the light source through the ember support bed 132 andonto the translucent artificial embers 126. The shadow curtains 146 and147 also reduce the amount of stray light that is observed through otheropenings and apertures in the fireplace. The shadow curtains 146 and 147can optionally provide support for the ember support bed 132 throughengagement with the bottom panel 125 of the enclosure 120, as shown inFIG. 1.

[0052] In one embodiment of the invention, the glowing embers system 110is mounted directly below the gas burner 123 and a log set 148. The gasburner 123 is connected to a gas line 150. The gas line 150 suppliescombustible gas to the burner 123 for producing gas flames 152 that passup and through a log set 148 that is supported by a burner 123. Theburner 123 can be formed into a log grate 154 that hides structuralelements of the burner 123. Alternatively, the gas burner can be formedinto the log set as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,195,incorporated herein by reference. Optionally, the gas line supplying gasto the burner can be hidden from view. For example, a leg of the gratecan form a tube for transporting the gas to burner.

[0053] A gas control valve 156 is connected to the gas line 150 andregulates the amount of gas that is permitted to pass to the burner 123for combustion. Fresh combustion air enters through a coaxial duct 158and comes down through the fresh air duct 160 and into the combustionair chamber 122B located between the raised floor 134 and bottom panel125. The combustion air can be passed into the chamber 122 through theair gaps 137. Burning the gas/air mixture within the chamber 122generates products of combustion. The products of combustion are passedthrough an exhaust 159 that is defined by the enclosure 120.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, a second embodiment of a direct ventfireplace 500 is shown including a second embodiment of the simulatedglowing ember system 510. The glowing ember system 510 incorporates agas burner 523 into its construction. Optionally, a second burner can beincorporated into grate 554 or log set 548. The gas burner 523 includesa burner pan 521 located below an ember support bed 532. The burner 523is supplied with combustible gas from a gas line 551. As illustrated inmore detail in FIG. 6, ember support bed 532 includes a plurality ofburner apertures 541 that allow combustible gas or a gas/air mixture topass from through the ember support bed 532 for combustion within thechamber 522. The plurality of apertures can be arranged and configuredin any pattern to provide a desired flame pattern on the top surface ofthe ember support bed 532. The diameter of the apertures can be adjustedto vary the size of flames produced from combustion.

[0055] Light source 528 can be disposed within the pan 521 of the burner523 below the ember support bed 532. Light generated by the light source528 passes through the burner apertures 541 and onto translucentartificial embers 526 disposed upon the top surface of the ember supportbed. With this arrangement, the light source 528 and translucentartificial embers 526 are manufactured to endure excessive amounts ofheat created from being located in close proximity to burner 523.Teco-Sil® silica is one example of translucent artificial ember materialthat can withstand the high temperatures encountered with thisembodiment. The ember support bed 532 can be supported by downwardlydepending support members 546 and 547 attached to the burner and inengagement with bottom panel of the combustion chamber, as shown in FIG.5.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 7, a third embodiment of a direct ventfireplace 700 is shown including a third embodiment of the simulatedglowing ember system 710. The fireplace 700 includes an enclosure 720defining a chamber 722 and the glowing ember system 710. A rear panel760 and bottom panel 762 of the enclosure 720 and a rear panel 768 andbottom panel 770 of an intermediate enclosure 764 define a fresh airduct 772. The fresh air duct 772 provides for the passage of fresh airfrom the exterior of the fireplace to the chamber 722, as indicated bythe arrows “A” on FIG. 7. Fresh combustion air enters through coaxialduct 774 and comes down through the fresh air duct 772.

[0057] The glowing ember system 710 includes an ember support bed 732, alower translucent plate 776, and a light source 728. The ember supportbed 732 forms at least a portion of a bottom panel 762 of the enclosure720 and defines a plurality of apertures 741 for the passage of freshair from the fresh air duct 772 to the chamber 722. Translucentartificial embers 726 are disposed on the top surface of the embersupport bed 732. The lower translucent plate 776 forms at least aportion of the bottom panel 770 of the intermediate enclosure 764. Thelight source 728 is housed below the lower translucent plate 776 andpasses light through the fresh air duct 772 and the ember support bed732 to illuminate the translucent artificial embers 726. The lowertranslucent plate 776 and the ember support bed 732 can be constructedof materials, for example, previously described with respect toembodiments of the ember support bed 132 of FIG. 1 and beds 432A, 432B,and 432C.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of an electric fireplace 800is shown including the glowing ember system 810. The glowing embersystem 810 is similar in configuration and operation to the glowingember system 110 previously described with respect to FIG. 2. In thisembodiment, a log set 848 is disposed in chamber 822 defined byenclosure 820. The log set 848 is mounted directly over simulatedelectric glowing embers system 810 having translucent artificial embers826, an ember support bed 832, and light source 828 positioned below.The simulated electric glowing embers system 810 in this embodimentfunctions similarly to the glowing ember systems in the embodimentsdescribed above.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, side and front cross-sectional viewsof a multisided gas fireplace 900 are shown including the embodiment ofthe glowing ember system 110 of FIG. 2. Such a direct vent fireplace isof the type shown and described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.5,016,609, incorporated by reference.

[0060] Fireplace 900 includes an enclosure 920 that defines a chamber922. A portion or all of the enclosure 920 can be used for thecombustion of burnable or combustible fuels. Referring to FIG. 10, theglowing embers system 110 is shown disposed within the chamber 922between a gas burner 923 and a bottom panel 925 of the enclosure 920.

[0061] The present invention should not be considered limited to theparticular examples described above, or to the materials used todescribe the various embodiments, but rather should be understood tocover all aspects of the invention as broadly set out in the attachedclaims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerousstructures to which the present invention may be applicable will bereadily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the presentinvention is directed upon review of the instant specification.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fireplace comprising: an enclosure defining achamber; a support structure having an ember support surface, saidsupport surface being disposed within the chamber; a plurality oftranslucent artificial embers, wherein the translucent artificial embersare disposed upon but separable from said support surface; and a lightsource positioned to pass light through at least a portion of thesupport structure to illuminate the translucent artificial embers. 2.The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the support structure comprises: araised floor positioned above a bottom panel of the enclosure; and anember support bed coupled to the raised floor and forming said embersupport structure, wherein the translucent artificial embers aredisposed on a top surface of the ember support bed.
 3. The fireplace ofclaim 2, wherein the ember support bed comprises a translucent plate. 4.The fireplace of claim 2, wherein the ember support bed comprises a meshscreen.
 5. The fireplace of claim 2, wherein the ember support bedcomprises a perforated plate.
 6. The fireplace of claim 1, furthercomprising a gas burner positioned above the ember support surface toprovide flames and heat upon combustion.
 7. The fireplace of claim 1,wherein the light source is disposed within the chamber.
 8. Thefireplace of claim 1, wherein the translucent artificial embers comprisefused silica particles.
 9. The fireplace of claim 1, wherein the supportstructure defines at least one aperture through said ember supportsurface to deliver combustible gas to the chamber.
 10. The fireplace ofclaim 1, wherein the light source comprises components that withstandtemperatures greater than 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
 11. The fireplace ofclaim 10, wherein the light source comprises a halogen light.
 12. Afireplace comprising: a combustion chamber enclosure, wherein thecombustion chamber enclosure includes a support structure, said supportstructure being configured to support a plurality of loosely separableand at least partially translucent artificial embers; and a light sourcearranged and configured relative to said support structure so as toilluminate said artificial embers when supported by said supportstructure.
 13. The fireplace of claim 12, wherein the support structuredefines at least one aperture to provide combustion air to thecombustion chamber enclosure.
 14. The fireplace of claim 12, wherein thesupport structure defines at least one aperture to provide combustiongas to the combustion chamber enclosure.
 15. A fireplace comprising: anenclosure, wherein the enclosure includes a support structure, saidsupport structure being configured to support a plurality of looselyseparable and at least partially translucent artificial embers; and alight source arranged and configured relative to said support structureso as to illuminate said artificial embers when supported by saidsupport structure.
 16. The fireplace of claim 15, further comprising acolored plate disposed between the light source and the plurality ofsupported artificial embers to generate the color of glowing embers withthe plurality of supported artificial embers.
 17. The fireplace of claim15, wherein light from said light source passes through at least aportion of said support structure.
 18. The fireplace of claim 15,wherein the support structure comprises an ember support bed forsupporting said artificial embers.
 19. An apparatus for electricallysimulating glowing embers within an enclosure of a fireplace, theapparatus comprising: a support structure configured to be insertablewith the enclosure and defining an ember support bed for supportablyholding a plurality of translucent artificial embers; a plurality oftranslucent artificial embers, configured to be loosely supported bysaid ember support bed; and a light source arranged and configured topass light through the ember support bed to illuminate the translucentartificial embers.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein thetranslucent artificial embers comprise fused silica particles.
 21. Anapparatus for electrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace,the apparatus comprising: an ember support bed; a plurality oftranslucent artificial embers, wherein the translucent artificial embersare individually arrangeable upon the ember support bed; and a lightsource positioned to pass light through at least a portion of the embersupport bed to illuminate the loose translucent artificial embers. 22.The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the translucent artificial emberscomprise fused silica particles.
 23. An apparatus for electricallysimulating glowing embers within a fireplace, the apparatus comprising:means for loosely supporting a plurality of translucent artificialembers; and means for illuminating the plurality of translucentartificial embers.
 24. A method for electrically simulating glowingembers within a fireplace, comprising: providing an enclosure, whereinthe enclosure defines a chamber; disposing an ember support bedstructure within the chamber; arranging a plurality of translucentartificial embers on said ember support bed structure; providing a lightsource to produce a light beam; and passing said light beam through atleast a portion of the artificial embers to illuminate the translucentartificial embers.
 25. The method of claim 24, further comprising,dusting a portion of the surfaces of the translucent artificial emberswith paint.
 26. The method of claim 24, further comprising the step ofpassing said light beam through at least a portion of said ember supportbed structure to illuminate said artificial embers.
 27. A method forelectrically simulating glowing embers within a fireplace, comprising:providing an enclosure, wherein the enclosure defines a chamber;disposing an ember support bed structure within the chamber to support aplurality of loosely separable and at least partially translucentartificial embers; and providing a light source to produce and pass alight beam through at least a portion of the artificial embers toilluminate the translucent artificial embers.